Literally in tears right now. They were able to pull photos off a complete destroyed phone I've been holding onto for 5+ years. Only photo I cared about was one of my brother and I just before he passed. Cannot express how happy I am to have this last piece of my brother back. Staff was exceptional every step of the way.
- 4.6 319 reviews
- 2M+ followers
- In-house microsoldering lab NJ
Cell Phone Data Recovery
MDrepairs specializes in cell phone data recovery from dead, water damaged, and broken cell phones of every brand - iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, OnePlus, Motorola, LG, and all Android devices. We pull photos, texts, contacts, WhatsApp messages, and app data using microsoldering and chip-level extraction at our Lincroft, NJ lab.
Most shops won't touch board-level phone recovery, and many that claim to offer it are just shipping your device to someone else. At MDrepairs, every recovery is performed in-house by our own technicians. We serve customers across the country through our secure mail-in program with free insured shipping. No data, no charge.
Real Phone Recoveries, Filmed Start to Finish
MDrepairs doesn't just talk about mobile data recovery - we show it. Our lead technician Joseph Montanti films real phone recoveries from the moment a device hits the bench through final data extraction. From corroded Samsung Galaxy boards to iPhones snapped in half, over 2 million followers watch us bring phones back from the dead on YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram.
Reviews
What Our Customers Say
4.6
Pricing
How Much Does Cell Phone Data Recovery Cost?
Cell phone data recovery pricing depends on the device brand, model, and how badly it's damaged. Standard chip-off, JTAG, and ISP recoveries handle most Android phones, while iPhone recovery and CPU swaps for severely damaged boards require more time and specialized labor.
Every case starts here
Every case begins with a $100 diagnostic evaluation that tells us exactly what's wrong and what it'll cost to fix. If you move forward, that fee is applied toward the total recovery price.
For a detailed cost breakdown, read our guide on how much data recovery costs. Fill out the Get a Quote form for a personalized estimate based on your phone and damage type. For a full breakdown of all our recovery services and pricing tiers, visit our data recovery pricing page.
- Chip-Off / JTAG / ISP Recovery
- $600 - $1,200
- Samsung Galaxy / Android
- $1,000 - $1,200
- CPU Swap (broken board / severe liquid)
- $2,500
CPU swaps are required when the motherboard is cracked, snapped, or liquid damaged beyond standard repair. The CPU and storage chip are transplanted to a working donor board.
We Accept
- Credit Cards
- PayPal
- Cash App
- ACH
- Apple Pay
Financing Options
- Affirm Split payments up to 12 months
- Afterpay 4 interest-free split payments
Payment is collected only after recovery is complete. We email you proof that your data was successfully recovered before requesting payment.
Types of Data We Recover From Cell Phones
Whether you've got a dead iPhone, a water damaged Samsung, or an Android that won't boot, we recover every type of data stored on the device.
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Photos & Videos
Your entire photo library, videos, screenshots, slow-motion clips, and anything stored in your camera roll. On iPhones, we recover the full Camera Roll including Live Photos. On Android devices, we pull from the DCIM folder, Google Photos local cache, and any third-party camera app storage. For most people, this is years of irreplaceable memories that don't exist anywhere else.
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WhatsApp & App Data
We recover WhatsApp conversations with all media attachments, Telegram chats, Signal messages, Viber histories, and data from virtually every installed app. On iPhones, app data is captured in the iTunes backup. On Android phones, we extract local app databases directly from internal storage. If the app stored data on the device, we can get it.
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Contacts & Call Logs
Your full contact list with phone numbers, email addresses, physical addresses, notes, and contact photos. We also recover your complete call history with incoming, outgoing, and missed calls along with timestamps and durations. On Android devices, we can often recover contacts stored in both the phone's local storage and synced Google account databases.
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Notes & Documents
Apple Notes, Samsung Notes, Google Keep notes, voice memos, voice recordings, and any locally saved documents from the phone's file system. We also recover PDFs, spreadsheets, and other files stored in the Downloads folder or in app-specific storage. Many professionals store critical business notes and documents exclusively on their phone.
For iPhones, we create a full iTunes backup containing everything on the device. You can restore this to a new iPhone or browse individual files with tools like iMazing. For Android phones, we provide a complete file dump of all recoverable data organized by category. Visit our recovered data portal for instructions on accessing your files.
Our service is built for physically damaged or non-functional phones, not for undeleting intentionally removed files. Modern smartphones use hardware encryption that makes deleted files permanently inaccessible. If your phone is working and you've deleted files, check your cloud backup first (iCloud, Google Photos, Samsung Cloud) or read our guide on recovering deleted data from an iPhone. If the phone is dead, broken, or water damaged, read our complete guide on recovering data from a broken phone.
Call 732-933-7717 $100 diagnostic, credited toward recovery - no data, no charge.
Why Cell Phone Data Recovery Is Different From Other Devices
A phone is not a hard drive. Hardware encryption, paired chips, and brand-specific security mean the only way to your data is through board-level repair - here's what that involves.
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Hardware Encryption
Every modern cell phone encrypts its storage at the hardware level. iPhones use full-disk encryption tied to the CPU. Android phones use either Full Disk Encryption (FDE) or File-Based Encryption (FBE) depending on the manufacturer and Android version. Samsung uses Knox security, and Google Pixel phones use the Titan M security chip. In every case, you can't just pull the storage chip and read it - the phone has to actually boot and unlock before we can access anything.
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Chip Pairing & Security
On iPhones, the CPU and NAND flash chip are uniquely paired - data can't be read unless both are present and functional. Samsung devices use Knox, a hardware-based security platform that ties encryption keys to the specific processor. Google Pixel phones use the Titan M2 security chip as a separate secure element. These security architectures mean your data is locked to the specific hardware in your phone, making board-level repair the only path to recovery.
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Recovery Methods Vary by Brand
There's no single approach that works for every phone. iPhones always require a boot-and-backup method through motherboard repair. Some older Android devices allow chip-off extraction where we physically remove the storage chip and read it with specialized hardware. Newer Androids with file-based encryption need to boot just like iPhones. Samsung devices have unique eMMC and UFS storage configurations. Our lab handles all of these methods because different brands and models demand different techniques.
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Board-Level Repair Required
Regardless of the brand, recovering data from a dead phone requires microsoldering and component-level diagnostics. We use thermal cameras, oscilloscopes, and high-powered microscopes to pinpoint faults on the motherboard, then repair damaged traces and replace failed components. This isn't something a regular phone repair shop can do. It takes specialized equipment and years of hands-on experience working with boards from every major manufacturer.
Call 732-933-7717 Board-level lab work, not a phone repair counter.
How Long Does Cell Phone Data Recovery Take?
Turnaround depends on the service tier you choose. Rush options move your phone ahead when time matters. The tiers below are how soon we begin work - the exact recovery time is confirmed after diagnostics.
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3 - 5 weeks
Standard
Included
Included with every recovery. Your phone enters our queue and is worked on in the order received.
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5 - 7 days
Priority Rush
+$250
Your device jumps ahead in the queue and work begins within 1-5 business days.
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1 - 2 days
Urgent Rush
+$500
Work begins immediately. Ideal for emergencies where time matters most.
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Same Day
Emergency
+$1,000
Highest priority. Your device is worked on the same day it arrives at our lab.
The times above are how soon we begin work on your phone - not the full turnaround. The exact recovery time is confirmed after diagnostics. Mail-in ships with a free prepaid insured label and typically reaches our lab in 2-3 business days.
How Cell Phone Data Recovery Works
From the moment you ship your phone to the day your files land in your hands - five clear steps, no surprises, and a $100 diagnostic credited toward your recovery.
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Submit a Quote & Ship Your Phone
Fill out our quote form or give us a call. We'll email you a free prepaid insured shipping label. Wrap your phone in padding, place it in a small box, and drop it at any UPS location. Your device typically arrives at our Lincroft, NJ lab in 2-3 business days.
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Device Diagnostics
Our technicians disassemble your phone and run component-level diagnostics using thermal cameras, oscilloscopes, and microscopes. We test for short circuits, check for liquid damage, evaluate chip integrity, and figure out the best recovery approach. This is covered by the $100 diagnostic fee.
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Recovery Quote & Approval
After diagnostics, we send you a detailed assessment and an exact recovery quote. You decide whether to proceed. If you do, the diagnostic fee is applied toward the total cost. No hidden fees, no surprises.
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Board Repair & Data Extraction
We perform motherboard repair through microsoldering to get your phone to power on and reach a usable state. For iPhones, we create a full iTunes backup once the device boots and unlocks. For Android phones, we extract data directly from internal storage using specialized tools. In severe cases, we transplant the CPU and storage chip to a working donor board.
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Data Delivered
We send proof of recovery before requesting payment. Your recovered data is delivered through our secure data delivery portal or shipped on an external drive. All data is securely wiped from our systems once you confirm receipt.
Call 732-933-7717 $100 diagnostic, credited toward recovery - no data, no charge.
Common Causes of Cell Phone Data Loss
Knowing what happened to your phone helps us plan the most effective recovery strategy from the start.
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Water & Liquid Damage
Pools, toilets, oceans, rain, spilled drinks, washing machines - we've seen it all. Liquid reaches the motherboard fast and corrosion starts immediately, especially under the processor and storage chips. Saltwater and sugary liquids cause the worst damage. Samsung's and Google's "water-resistant" ratings don't hold up after drops or screen replacements. The best thing you can do is stop trying to charge or turn on the phone and get it to our lab.
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Physical Impact & Drops
A hard drop can crack the motherboard, shatter microscopic solder connections under the CPU, or damage the storage chip. This happens with iPhones, Samsung Galaxy phones, Pixels, and every other brand. Even if the screen still looks fine, internal components can be jarred loose. Phones run over by cars, bent in pockets, or dropped from several floors up are all recoverable as long as the CPU and storage chip survive the impact.
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Battery & Power Failure
A dead or swollen battery can leave a phone completely unresponsive, but the data on the storage chip is usually untouched. The real issue comes when a failing battery causes voltage problems that damage the power management IC or charging circuitry. This happens across all brands. Samsung Galaxy phones are especially prone to power IC failures, while iPhones commonly develop Tristar or Hydra chip issues. These require microsoldering to fix.
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Short Circuits
Electrical shorts on the motherboard happen from liquid exposure, cheap third-party chargers, or components degrading over time. A short draws too much current, generates heat, and blocks the phone from booting. We use thermal cameras to locate the exact component causing the short and then perform precision microsoldering to remove or replace it. This applies to every phone brand we work on.
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Failed Repairs
A huge portion of our caseload comes from phones that were perfectly recoverable before another shop made things worse. Torn flex cables, scratched motherboard traces, damaged CPU pads from botched chip removal, too much heat during a reball attempt, or long screw damage on iPhones where a screw punctures the board - all of these turn simple recoveries into complex ones. If your phone was previously opened or worked on by another repair shop, let us know so we can adjust our diagnostic approach.
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Software & Update Failures
A failed iOS update, botched Android OTA, or phone stuck in a boot loop can brick a device completely. Common symptoms include phones stuck on the manufacturer logo, endless restart cycles, or error codes during restore attempts. While software issues alone don't always need board-level repair, many of these failures are actually symptoms of underlying hardware problems like a failing storage chip or marginal solder joint that finally gives out during a firmware update.
No matter how your phone was damaged, the key question is always the same: are the processor and storage chip still intact? If they are, recovery is possible. If either chip is physically cracked or corroded through, the data is gone due to hardware encryption. We verify this during diagnostics and give you a straight answer before you commit to anything.
We work on phones damaged in every way you can think of - devices that went through washing machines, phones crushed by vehicles, phones left in floodwater for days. If you're not sure whether your phone is recoverable, submit a free quote and tell us what happened.
Recover Data from a Water Damaged Phone
Water damaged phone data recovery is one of the most frequent services we perform. It doesn't matter if your phone fell in a pool, got dropped in the toilet, went through the washing machine, or sat in a puddle after a rainstorm. Liquid finds its way to the motherboard fast, and the damage starts right away.
Every phone manufacturer markets some level of water resistance these days - Apple with IP68, Samsung with IP68, Google Pixel with IPX8. But here's the reality: those ratings degrade after drops, screen replacements, and normal wear. We see "water-resistant" phones with catastrophic liquid damage on a weekly basis across every brand.
Corrosion begins the moment liquid touches the motherboard. It spreads fastest under the processor and storage chips where your data lives. Saltwater and sugary drinks cause the most aggressive corrosion. We use thermal cameras and microscopes to locate short circuits and corroded traces, then perform microsoldering to repair the board and bring the phone back to life long enough to pull your data.
The type of liquid and how long the phone was submerged both matter. Fresh water in a toilet bowl causes less damage than saltwater at the beach. But in every case, speed matters. The longer a wet phone sits untreated, the more corrosion spreads.
Critical: If your phone got wet
- Don't try to charge it or turn it on.
- Don't put it in rice - that's a myth that wastes time while corrosion keeps spreading.
- Send it to our lab as quickly as possible.
Free insured shipping nationwide - $100 diagnostic credited - no data, no charge.
Phone Won't Turn On? Dead Phone Data Recovery
If your phone is completely dead - black screen, no vibration, won't respond to the charger - we can still get your data back.
A broken phone doesn't mean lost data. The processor and storage chip are often completely fine, and your photos, messages, contacts, and app data are still sitting there on the chip. The phone just can't access them because something else on the board has failed.
We don't just swap in a new battery and hope for the best. We run advanced motherboard diagnostics to locate the specific component that failed. Common culprits include blown power management ICs, failed charging circuits, corroded voltage regulators, and broken processor connections. Each of these failures has distinct thermal and electrical signatures that our tools can detect.
This applies to every brand we work on. iPhones commonly fail from Tristar or Hydra chip issues. Samsung Galaxy phones often develop power IC or baseband processor failures. Google Pixels can have issues with the Titan M security chip preventing boot. Regardless of the brand, the diagnostic approach is the same - find what's broken, fix it with microsoldering, boot the phone, and pull the data.
Many phones that seem completely dead are actually suffering from a single failed component that can be replaced in a matter of hours. Once we identify and repair the fault, we boot the device and create a backup of everything stored on it. Before you ship, it's worth ruling out the simple stuff - our guide on what to do when an Android phone won't turn on covers the safe checks that don't risk your data.
Cell Phone Data Recovery by Device
Each phone brand and model comes with its own internal architecture, encryption scheme, and board layout. Here's how we approach recovery across the devices we service.
- $1,500 - all models iPhone 5 and up
Apple iPhone (All Models)
iPhones from the 3GS through the latest iPhone 17 series all use Apple's hardware encryption, tying data access to the CPU and NAND pairing. Every iPhone recovery requires motherboard repair to boot the device and create an iTunes backup. Older models (iPhone 6, 7, 8) have simpler board layouts, while modern models (iPhone 12+) use stacked logic boards that add complexity. We handle them all. For full details, visit our dedicated iPhone data recovery page. Pricing is $1,500 for all models iPhone 5 and up.
iPhone Recovery Details - $800 to $1,000
Samsung Galaxy (S, Note, Z, A Series)
Samsung Galaxy devices are the second most common phones in our lab. The Galaxy S series, Note series, Z Flip, Z Fold, and A series all use Samsung's Knox security platform with hardware-backed encryption. Recovery methods vary by model - older devices with eMMC storage may allow JTAG or ISP extraction, while newer UFS-based models typically require a boot-and-backup approach. Samsung's foldable devices (Z Flip, Z Fold) present additional challenges due to their flex cable hinge design. Visit our Samsung Galaxy data recovery page for more details. Pricing ranges from $800 to $1,000.
Samsung Recovery Details - $600 to $1,000
Google Pixel
Google Pixel phones use the Titan M2 security chip as a dedicated secure element, adding an extra layer of encryption beyond what the main processor handles. Pixel devices run stock Android with Google's own implementation of file-based encryption. Recovery from Pixel phones requires the device to boot and authenticate before we can access data. The upside is that Pixel boards tend to be well-designed and clean, making component-level diagnosis more straightforward compared to some other Android brands. Pricing ranges from $600 to $1,000.
- $400 to $1,000
OnePlus / Motorola / LG
OnePlus, Motorola, and LG phones use Qualcomm or MediaTek processors with standard Android encryption. OnePlus devices are generally well-built with accessible board layouts. Motorola phones range from budget devices with simpler architectures to flagship models with more complex internals. LG exited the smartphone market in 2021, but we still recover data from LG G series, V series, and other models regularly. Older LG devices may support chip-off extraction, while newer ones require the boot-and-backup method. Pricing ranges from $400 to $1,000 depending on the method required.
- From $200 to $600
Older & Legacy Android Phones
We regularly receive phones that are 5, 8, or even 10+ years old. HTC, Sony Xperia, older Samsung models, BlackBerry, and early Android devices often have data that was never backed up anywhere. Many of these older devices use eMMC storage without the aggressive encryption found in modern phones, which means chip-off extraction is sometimes possible. Others may support JTAG or ISP recovery methods. The challenge with legacy devices is finding donor boards and replacement components, which can affect turnaround time. Pricing starts at $200 to $600 for simpler extractions.
- Priced like the equivalent phone
iPad, Samsung Tab & Other Tablets
Tablets use the same encryption and storage architecture as their phone counterparts. iPads follow the exact same recovery process as iPhones - motherboard repair, boot, and iTunes backup. Samsung Galaxy Tabs use Knox security just like Samsung phones. The main physical difference is that tablets have larger boards with more spread-out components, which can actually make certain repairs slightly easier. However, tablets are more prone to flex-related damage from bending forces on their larger glass panels. Pricing follows the same structure as the equivalent phone brand.
Not sure what phone you have?
Don't worry about it. Just describe the device as best you can when you submit a quote request - brand, color, approximate size and age. Our technicians identify the exact model during diagnostics using the internal model number on the logic board. Every modern phone uses some form of hardware encryption, which is why board-level repair is always needed to access your data.
Chip-Off, JTAG & ISP Recovery for Cell Phones
For certain Android devices, we have recovery methods beyond standard motherboard repair.
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Chip-Off
Chip-off recovery involves physically removing the eMMC or UFS storage chip from the board, placing it in a specialized reader, and extracting the raw data. This works on older Android phones that don't use file-based encryption, or in cases where we can decrypt the extracted data using known methods.
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JTAG
JTAG recovery connects directly to test points on the motherboard to access the phone's storage through its debug interface. This method doesn't require removing any chips and works on many Android devices where the board is partially functional but the phone won't boot normally.
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ISP (In-System Programming)
ISP (In-System Programming) is similar to JTAG but connects directly to the storage chip's data lines while it's still soldered to the board. This gives us read access to the raw storage without requiring the phone to boot.
ISP bench eMMC DIRECT READ
- Chip stays on the board
- no removal
- Test pads
- VCC VCCQ CLK CMD D0
- eMMC direct read
- raw image
- Decode
- after imaging
Illustrative bench readout - ISP reads the storage chip's data lines without removing it from the board.
These methods don't work on iPhones due to Apple's hardware encryption architecture. But for many Android devices - especially older Samsung Galaxy phones, LG devices, Motorola phones, and budget Android devices - they can be faster and less expensive than full motherboard repair. We determine the best approach during diagnostics based on your specific device and its condition.
CPU Repair & Trace Restoration
The processor is the gatekeeper of your data. On every modern phone, the CPU must communicate with the storage chip and the security elements on the board to retrieve the encryption keys that unlock your files. If that communication is broken, your data stays locked.
CPU damage can happen from a hard drop, a failed repair attempt by another shop, or liquid corrosion eating through the microscopic pads underneath the chip. When a technician at another shop removes the CPU without proper technique, they can rip or destroy the tiny copper pads that connect the chip to the board. This breaks critical signal paths.
- A hard drop
- A failed repair attempt by another shop
- Liquid corrosion under the chip
MDrepairs specializes in CPU pad restoration. We rebuild damaged traces directly on the chip or the board, working under a microscope with micro-jumper wires and precision soldering tools. These jobs can take several hours to a full day depending on how many connections need to be rebuilt.
This level of repair is rarely offered by other shops, but it's exactly what's needed when you're trying to recover irreplaceable data from a phone with a damaged processor connection.
Phone Randomly Shutting Off or Stuck in Boot Loop
When your phone keeps shutting off on its own, freezes at the logo screen, or restarts in an endless loop, it's usually not a software glitch. In most cases, there's a hardware fault on the motherboard causing the instability.
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Random Shut-Offs
A phone that powers down randomly - especially after sitting idle or during heavy use - is often dealing with a compromised power management system or a voltage line that fails under load. The phone might turn on for a few seconds, show the manufacturer logo, and then die again. Eventually it stops booting altogether.
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Boot Loops
Boot loops are another common symptom. The phone gets stuck showing the Apple logo, Samsung logo, or Google "G" over and over without ever reaching the home screen. iPhones may also display an "iPhone Unavailable" screen after too many failed passcode attempts. While this can sometimes be a corrupted software partition, it's frequently caused by a failing storage chip or a marginal solder joint that can't maintain a stable connection.
We diagnose the root cause using thermal imaging and board schematics, then repair the specific component at fault. Once the board is stable, we extract your data.
Don't keep trying to force restart or factory reset a phone in this state - you risk making the underlying hardware issue worse.
What to Do When Your Phone Dies
The actions you take right after your phone stops working can directly affect whether recovery is successful.
Do This
-
Stop using it immediately.
Whether your phone got wet, took a hard fall, or just stopped working out of nowhere - set it down and leave it alone. Every attempt to power it on risks causing more damage to the motherboard.
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Keep it powered off.
Don't plug it into a charger, connect it to a computer, or hold down any buttons. Charging a liquid-damaged or shorted board can fry the processor, storage chip, or power management circuitry permanently.
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Store it somewhere dry and room temperature.
Don't leave your phone in a hot car, in direct sunlight, or in freezing conditions. Extreme temperatures accelerate corrosion on a wet board and can stress already-damaged solder joints.
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Contact a professional lab.
The sooner a qualified technician looks at your phone, the better your chances. Submit a quote request to get started - we'll send a free shipping label and give you an initial assessment at no obligation.
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Write down what happened.
Record the details - dropped in water, fell from a height, stopped working overnight, got hot and shut off, etc. This context helps our technicians plan their diagnostic approach and focus on the most likely failure points first.
Don't Do This
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Don't put it in rice.
This is the most persistent myth in phone repair. Rice doesn't pull moisture out of a phone's internals. It can introduce starch particles into ports and connectors, and it gives people false confidence while corrosion keeps eating through the board. Rice delays professional treatment, and professional treatment is the only thing that actually works.
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Don't use a hair dryer or heat source.
Blowing hot air on a damaged phone can reflow solder joints unpredictably, warp the logic board, or push moisture deeper into the device. Thermal work belongs in a professional lab with proper equipment and temperature control.
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Don't take it to a phone repair shop.
Most cell phone repair shops handle screen replacements and battery swaps. They don't have the equipment or training for motherboard microsoldering. Many will attempt basic fixes that can make your data permanently unrecoverable, or they'll just tell you the phone is done for.
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Don't attempt DIY repair.
YouTube repair tutorials are designed for cosmetic fixes like screen swaps, not data recovery from a dead board. Opening a phone and poking around without proper tools and training almost always makes things worse - torn cables, scratched traces, damaged chip pads, and stripped screws.
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Don't sit on it for months.
If your phone has liquid damage, corrosion gets worse every single day it sits untreated. Some customers reach out months after a water incident, and by that point the corrosion has eaten through the processor or storage chip, making recovery impossible. Act fast.
Cell Phone Data Recovery Success Rates
When the processor and storage chip are intact, our success rate is 100%. The vast majority of broken phones we receive have working storage - it's the surrounding power circuitry, charging components, or corroded traces that have failed. This is precisely the type of problem our motherboard repair process is designed to solve.
Recovery success varies by brand due to differences in architecture.
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iPhone
iPhones require both the CPU and NAND to be intact with no exceptions.
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Samsung Galaxy
Samsung Galaxy phones have similar requirements due to Knox encryption.
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Older Android
Older Android devices without strong encryption sometimes allow chip-off extraction even when the board is heavily damaged, giving us an additional path to success.
Phone Encryption: Why You Can't Recover Data Without Professional Help
Modern cell phones are some of the most heavily encrypted consumer devices in existence.
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Apple Secure Enclave
iPhones use Apple's Secure Enclave with hardware-level encryption that permanently bonds the CPU and NAND. You can't desolder the NAND, read it externally, and decrypt the contents - the key literally doesn't exist outside the CPU silicon.
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Samsung Knox
Samsung uses Knox with a hardware-backed keystore.
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Google Titan M2
Google Pixel uses the Titan M2 chip as a separate secure element.
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File-Based Encryption
Modern Android devices running Android 10+ use file-based encryption (FBE) that's tied to the specific hardware, similar in principle to Apple's approach.
Android encryption varies by manufacturer but has gotten significantly stronger over the years.
How our recovery process works around encryption
Our recovery process works around encryption by fixing the phone itself. We repair the motherboard, boot into the operating system, authenticate with the passcode or biometrics, and then extract data while the phone is alive and unlocked.
If the original board is too damaged, we transplant the processor and storage chip together to a donor board, preserving their cryptographic relationship. This is the only legitimate path to recovering data from a dead encrypted phone.
Cell Phone Data Recovery Lab - Tools & Equipment
Cell phone data recovery is among the most technically demanding work in the data recovery industry. Our Lincroft, NJ lab is outfitted with specialized tools designed specifically for component-level phone repair and data extraction across all major brands.
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Thermal Imaging Cameras
Pinpoint short circuits and failing components by visualizing heat patterns on the motherboard, regardless of phone brand.
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Oscilloscopes & Multimeters
Board-level electrical testing to trace power rails, check signal integrity, and identify component failures on any phone motherboard.
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High-Powered Microscopes
Precision inspection of microscopic pads, traces, and solder joints for CPU repair and micro-jumper work on all phone brands.
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Rework Stations
Chip-level reflow, reballing, and component removal with precise temperature profiles for iPhone, Samsung, Pixel, and all other boards.
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JTAG, ISP & Chip-Off Tools
Specialized hardware for eMMC and UFS chip reading, JTAG connections, and ISP extraction across Android devices of all brands.
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5.0V Programmable Power Supplies
Controlled power delivery to boot damaged phones safely without triggering additional short circuits or damaging sensitive components.
Choosing a Lab
Choosing the Right Cell Phone Data Recovery Service
Looking for cell phone data recovery near me? Here's the truth: most local shops can't do this work. Pulling data from a broken phone requires advanced tools, deep knowledge of multiple encryption architectures, and years of hands-on experience with motherboard repair across different brands. Very few labs in the country are actually proficient at this.
Most phone repair shops and even many "data recovery" companies operate as middlemen. They accept your device, mark up the price, and ship it to someone else who does the real work. This adds cost, slows things down, and introduces unnecessary risk.
When comparing services, watch out for companies that don't show their lab, can't explain their process, or quote prices far below what this work actually costs. A $200 phone data recovery quote almost certainly means outsourced work or a service that can only do basic software extraction.
Be especially cautious of anyone claiming they can recover "deleted" data from a working phone or bypass your passcode. Hardware encryption on modern phones makes both of those things impossible. Companies making these claims either don't understand the technology or are being deliberately misleading.
At MDrepairs, we perform every recovery in-house. We diagnose, repair, and extract the data ourselves, right here in our Lincroft, NJ lab. Our mail-in program gives you direct access to the technicians doing the actual work. No middlemen, no outsourcing, no unnecessary delays.
If your data matters, work with a team that documents their recoveries publicly and has over 2 million followers watching real cases on YouTube.
Talk to the technician who does the board work - not a call center.
Phone Data Recovery Software Doesn't Work on Dead Phones
If you've searched for "how to recover data from a dead phone," you've probably found software tools like Dr.Fone, iMyFone, Tenorshare, FonePaw, and PhoneRescue promising to extract data from broken phones. Here's the reality: none of them work if your phone won't power on.
Every phone recovery software tool communicates with the phone's operating system through USB. The phone has to be turned on, connected, and usually unlocked for any of these tools to do anything. If your phone is dead, water damaged, or stuck in a boot loop, there's nothing for the software to connect to. No program can bypass hardware encryption, and these tools simply read data the phone is already making available.
These tools are only useful in one narrow scenario: recovering recently deleted files from a working, unlocked phone. And even then, results are limited because modern phones discard encryption keys for deleted storage blocks, making the data permanently unreadable.
The same goes for cloud services
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iTunes
If the phone won't turn on, iTunes can't detect it.
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iCloud & Google Drive
If it's not on WiFi, iCloud and Google Drive can't sync.
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Factory reset / recovery mode
If it's stuck on a logo, factory reset or recovery mode will erase everything - that's not recovery, that's data destruction.
Real data recovery from dead, damaged, and non-functional cell phones requires physical motherboard repair and microsoldering. There are no software shortcuts.
Our $100 diagnostic gives you an honest expert assessment, and if we can't recover your data, that's all you'll ever pay.
iPhones With Stolen Device Protection Enabled
If your iPhone has Stolen Device Protection (SDP) turned on, we can still recover your data, but with one important difference.
When SDP is active, Apple requires Face ID or passcode authentication to create a local backup. Because of this restriction, we can't transfer your data to a USB drive or external storage. Instead, we'll need to back up your data directly to your iCloud account.
You'll provide your iCloud credentials so we can complete the backup. Your data will then be accessible through iCloud on any of your Apple devices.
If you're not sure whether SDP is turned on, don't worry about it. We'll identify this during diagnostics and walk you through the options.
Business & Enterprise
Business & Enterprise Cell Phone Data Recovery
Cell phones are the primary communication tool for millions of professionals. When a business-critical phone fails, the data loss goes beyond personal photos. It can include client communications, contract details, proprietary files, financial records, authentication codes, and evidence needed for legal proceedings.
MDrepairs provides mobile data recovery for businesses of all sizes, from freelancers who run their entire operation from a single device to enterprise IT departments managing fleets of company phones across both iPhone and Android platforms. We understand the urgency and offer Priority Rush and Emergency Same-Day service tiers to minimize downtime.
Our business recovery service includes everything in our standard consumer service, plus additional options for corporate environments. We provide formal chain-of-custody documentation for legal or compliance needs. We handle devices managed by MDM (Mobile Device Management) platforms, including Microsoft Intune, Jamf, and VMware Workspace ONE. And we deliver recovered data in whatever format your organization needs - iTunes backup for iPhones, organized file dump for Android, or direct cloud restoration.
For law firms, insurance companies, and organizations that need phone data for litigation or investigation, we provide detailed reports covering the recovery process, device condition upon receipt, and extraction methods used. All work is performed at our Lincroft, NJ facility with strict security protocols. Your data never leaves our lab, and we never access, view, or copy any information beyond what's necessary for the recovery.
If your business has multiple devices that need recovery, or you'd like to set up an ongoing relationship for priority service, learn more about our partnership program for businesses and repair shops.
Cell Phone Data Recovery vs. Other Services
How cell phone data recovery compares to other device types and services we offer at MDrepairs.
iPhone vs. Android Recovery
iPhone data recovery always requires a boot-and-backup approach because Apple's encryption is absolute - there's no way around it. Android recovery offers more flexibility. Older Android devices may allow chip-off or JTAG extraction without needing the phone to boot. Newer Android phones with file-based encryption behave more like iPhones and need to boot and unlock. Samsung's Knox adds another layer of complexity. We handle both ecosystems daily and choose the fastest, most reliable method for each specific device.
Phone vs. Hard Drive Recovery
Hard drive data recovery and phone data recovery are fundamentally different disciplines. Hard drive recovery deals with mechanical components like platters, read/write heads, and motors. Phone recovery deals with solid-state storage and encrypted motherboards. The tooling is different, the techniques are different, and the skill sets are different. MDrepairs handles both at our Lincroft, NJ lab, but they're performed by technicians with specialized expertise in each area.
If you're dealing with a failing hard drive instead, check out our guide on how to check hard drive health.
Phone Recovery vs. Phone Repair
These are two completely different services with different goals. Phone repair makes a phone usable again for daily use by replacing screens, batteries, and cameras. Data recovery has one goal: repair the motherboard enough to boot the device once and extract a backup. The phone may not be suitable for continued use after recovery.
If your phone just needs a screen, battery, or charging port, our repair service is faster and far less expensive.
Can Apple or Samsung Recover Data?
No. Neither Apple nor Samsung offers data recovery services. The Apple Store will attempt basic troubleshooting and then recommend buying a new device. Samsung's service centers operate the same way. Neither company performs motherboard repair, microsoldering, or chip-level data extraction. Their service model is to replace the entire device, which means your data stays on the old motherboard and ends up in the recycling bin.
This doesn't mean your data is gone - it just means these companies don't have the tools or business model to get it back. That's exactly what labs like MDrepairs exist for.
Mail-In vs. Local Recovery
Many people assume they need a local shop for phone recovery, but almost no local shops have the equipment for motherboard microsoldering. Most that accept recovery jobs are quietly shipping your phone to a specialist lab, adding cost and delay. Our nationwide mail-in program connects you directly to the lab doing the work. We provide free insured UPS shipping labels, your device arrives in 2-3 business days, and you get the same expert service whether you're in New Jersey, California, Texas, or anywhere else.
Whether you've got an iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, or any other phone, MDrepairs has the component-level expertise to recover your data. If you're not sure which service you need, submit a quote with a description of your device and the problem, and we'll point you in the right direction.
After Recovery: How You Receive Your Phone Data
Once we get your phone booted and extract the data, we email you proof of recovery - typically a screenshot or file listing showing photo counts, message threads, and app data. Payment is only collected after you've confirmed the recovery was successful. Your data is then delivered through our secure data delivery portal or shipped on a USB drive for larger recoveries.
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For iPhones
We create a standard iTunes backup file. You can restore it to a new iPhone using iTunes or Finder, which transfers all your photos, messages, contacts, apps, and settings. You can also browse the backup using tools like iMazing or iExplorer to extract individual files without restoring to a device.
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For Android phones
We provide an organized file dump containing your photos, videos, messages, contacts, documents, and app data in their original formats. Photos and videos come as standard image and video files you can open on any computer. Messages and contacts are exported in formats compatible with common Android backup tools.
After you confirm receipt, all copies are securely wiped from our systems. Switching from iPhone to Android or vice versa? Check our data transfer guide for help.
Cell Phone Data Recovery FAQ
Straight answers on cost, turnaround, device support, and how we get your data back - drawn from the questions we hear every day.
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How much does cell phone data recovery cost?
Pricing depends on the device brand, model, and severity of damage. Chip-off, JTAG, and ISP recovery costs $600-$1,200. iPhone recovery is $1,500 for all models iPhone 5 and up. Samsung Galaxy and Android recovery is typically $1,000-$1,200. Advanced CPU swaps for severely damaged boards are $2,500 flat. Our $100 diagnostic determines the exact issue and we provide a firm quote before you commit. -
Can data be recovered from a phone that won't turn on?
Yes, in most cases. A phone that won't turn on almost always has a failed component on the motherboard - a blown power management IC, a shorted charging circuit, or liquid corrosion - while the storage chip holding your photos, messages, and contacts is still intact. No app or software can help here, because recovery software needs a phone that boots. We repair the board at the component level, boot the device, and extract everything. If your Android won't power on, our guide on what to do when an Android phone won't turn on covers the safe first steps before you ship. -
Can you recover data from a completely dead phone?
Yes. As long as the processor and storage chip are physically intact, we can recover all your data - photos, messages, contacts, notes, and app data - even if the phone shows absolutely no signs of life and won't respond to charging. A dead phone almost always has a failed component on the motherboard, not damaged storage. -
How much does it cost to recover data from a dead phone?
Dead-phone recovery follows the same transparent tiers as the rest of our pricing: chip-off, JTAG, and ISP extraction runs $600-$1,200, dead iPhone recovery is $1,500 flat, Samsung Galaxy and other Android board repairs are typically $1,000-$1,200, and a full CPU + storage-chip transplant for a severely damaged board is $2,500. Every case starts with the $100 diagnostic, which is applied toward the recovery if you proceed - and if we can't get your data back, the diagnostic fee is all you pay. -
Can a phone with a broken screen have data recovered?
Yes - and if the phone still powers on, you may not even need a lab. Try a USB-OTG mouse or adapter to unlock the phone, or connect it to a computer and copy files while it's awake; our guide on recovering data from a broken phone walks through those free steps. If the display and touch are completely gone, we can fit a temporary screen or connect through other means to unlock the device and back it up. If the phone is dead rather than just dark, that's board-level repair work - the same motherboard diagnostics and microsoldering described on this page. -
Can you recover data from a water-damaged phone?
Yes. Water damage is our most common recovery scenario across all phone brands. We recover data from phones dropped in pools, toilets, oceans, and washing machines every week. The key is getting the phone to our lab quickly - corrosion spreads every day the phone sits untreated. Don't charge it, don't try to turn it on, and definitely don't put it in rice. -
How long does cell phone data recovery take?
Standard turnaround is 3-5 weeks. Priority Rush (+$250) starts work within 1-5 business days. Urgent Rush (+$500) begins immediately. Emergency Same-Day (+$1,000) is our fastest tier. The specific timeline depends on the complexity of the board repair needed. -
Can Apple or Samsung recover data from a dead phone?
No. Neither Apple nor Samsung offers data recovery services. Both companies will attempt basic troubleshooting and then recommend replacing the device. They don't perform motherboard repair or microsoldering. For actual data recovery from a non-functional phone, you need a specialized lab like MDrepairs. -
Can you recover deleted data from a phone?
No. Modern phones use hardware encryption, and once data is deleted, it's permanently gone - even with forensic tools. Our service recovers data from damaged or non-functional phones, not from intentional deletion. If your phone is working and you've deleted files, check your cloud backup (iCloud, Google Photos, Samsung Cloud) first. -
What's the difference between iPhone and Android data recovery?
iPhone recovery always requires motherboard repair to boot the device and create an iTunes backup - there's no alternative due to Apple's encryption. Android recovery offers more flexibility. Older Android phones may allow chip-off or JTAG extraction without booting. Newer Android devices with file-based encryption need to boot, similar to iPhones. The board-level repair skills are the same across both platforms. -
Do you provide mail-in phone data recovery?
Yes. We serve all 50 states through our secure mail-in program with free prepaid insured shipping labels. Fill out our quote form, ship your phone to our Lincroft, NJ lab, and we handle everything from there. Your device typically arrives within 2-3 business days. -
What happens if you can't recover my data?
You only pay the $100 diagnostic fee. If we determine during diagnostics that the processor or storage chip is damaged beyond repair, we'll explain our findings, return your device, and that's all you'll pay. No data, no charge beyond the diagnostic. -
Do you recover data from Samsung Galaxy phones?
Yes. Samsung Galaxy devices are the second most common phones in our lab. We recover data from the Galaxy S series, Note series, Z Flip, Z Fold, and A series. Samsung uses Knox security with hardware-backed encryption, so recovery requires board-level repair similar to iPhones. Visit our Samsung Galaxy data recovery page for specific details. -
Can you recover data from a Google Pixel phone?
Yes. Google Pixel phones use the Titan M2 security chip and file-based encryption. Recovery requires getting the device to boot and authenticate. We handle all Pixel models from the original Pixel through the latest Pixel Pro series. -
What about OnePlus, Motorola, or LG phones?
We recover data from all major Android brands including OnePlus, Motorola, LG, HTC, Sony, and others. Recovery methods vary by model and age - some support chip-off or JTAG extraction, while newer devices require the boot-and-backup approach. We determine the best method during diagnostics. -
Can you recover WhatsApp messages from a dead phone?
Yes. We recover full WhatsApp conversations with all media attachments from both iPhones and Android phones, even without a cloud backup. Once the phone boots and we extract the data, all locally stored app data including WhatsApp is included in the recovery. -
Will my data be kept private?
Absolutely. Your data never leaves our facility, and we never access, view, or copy any of your personal information. All recovery work is performed in-house at our Lincroft, NJ lab with strict chain-of-custody protocols. Data is securely wiped from our systems after you confirm receipt. -
Do I need to know my phone's passcode for recovery?
Yes. Due to hardware encryption on modern phones, we need the device to be unlocked to create a backup. For iPhones, you'll provide your passcode. For Android phones, you'll provide your PIN, pattern, or password. We can't bypass passcodes or security features on any phone brand - nor would we attempt to. -
What if my phone was previously repaired by another shop?
We can still recover data from previously opened devices. However, failed repair attempts - especially poor chip removal or long screw damage - can increase the difficulty and risk. A significant portion of our caseload comes from phones that other shops couldn't fix or made worse. Let us know if your phone has been worked on before so we can adjust our approach. -
Can you recover data from a phone stuck in a boot loop?
Yes. A boot loop - where the phone shows the manufacturer logo and restarts over and over - is usually caused by either software corruption or a hardware fault on the motherboard. We diagnose the root cause and fix it. If it's hardware, we repair the board. If it's software-related, we may extract data without board-level work. Either way, the goal is getting the phone stable enough to pull your data. -
How do you deliver my recovered data?
We deliver recovered data through our secure data delivery portal. For iPhones, you receive an iTunes backup file that can be restored to a new iPhone or browsed with tools like iMazing. For Android phones, you receive an organized file dump with photos, videos, messages, contacts, and app data in their original formats. You can also request delivery on a USB drive shipped to your address. -
Can I transfer recovered data to a new phone?
Yes. For iPhones, the iTunes backup we create can be restored to any compatible iPhone using iTunes or Finder. For Android phones, photos and videos are standard files you can transfer directly. Contacts can be imported through Google Contacts or your phone's import tool. For help switching between platforms, see our data transfer guide. -
Is mobile data recovery the same as cell phone data recovery?
Yes. Mobile data recovery and cell phone data recovery refer to the same service. Both involve recovering photos, messages, contacts, and app data from a broken phone or dead phone that won't power on. Whether you search for mobile data recovery or cell phone data recovery, the process is identical: board-level motherboard repair, microsoldering, and data extraction from the device's encrypted storage. -
Is cell phone data recovery near me available?
Unless you're near one of the few labs in the country with actual motherboard microsoldering capability, the best option is our mail-in service. Most "data recovery near me" results are shops that outsource the work anyway, adding cost and delay. With MDrepairs, you ship directly to the lab performing the repair - free insured shipping, 2-3 day delivery, same expert service whether you're local or across the country. -
My phone fell in water - what should I do right now?
Stop trying to power it on or charge it immediately. Don't put it in rice. Each power-on attempt can worsen short circuits on the motherboard. Keep the phone powered off, store it in a dry place, and contact our lab as soon as possible. The sooner we receive a water damaged phone, the better the outcome. Corrosion spreads every day the phone sits untreated. -
How do I ship my phone for recovery?
After you submit a quote request, we email you a free prepaid insured shipping label via UPS. Place your phone in a small box with padding (bubble wrap, paper towels, or even socks work) and drop it at any UPS location. The package is fully insured during transit. Your phone typically arrives at our Lincroft, NJ lab within 2-3 business days. Visit our mail-in page for detailed packaging instructions. -
What if my phone is physically bent or broken in half?
A bent or broken phone is one of the most serious scenarios because the motherboard itself may be fractured. If the processor and storage chip are on opposite sides of the break, or if either chip is cracked, we'll need to perform a CPU and storage chip transplant to a donor board. If both chips are intact, we can transplant them together. This is priced at $2,500 flat due to the extreme precision required. -
Can you recover data from a phone that was in a fire?
It depends on the severity of the fire. If the motherboard is charred, warped, or the chips are visibly damaged from extreme heat, recovery may not be possible. But if the phone was exposed to moderate heat, smoke, or a brief fire and the board is still structurally intact, we can often recover the data. The processor and storage chips are surprisingly heat-resistant for short exposures. Send us photos and we'll provide an honest assessment before you ship. -
Do you recover data from tablets too?
Yes. iPads follow the same recovery process as iPhones. Samsung Galaxy Tabs use Knox security like Samsung phones. Other Android tablets use standard Android encryption. The techniques we use for phones apply directly to tablets. The main physical difference is larger boards with more accessible components, which can sometimes simplify certain repairs. -
What's the difference between data recovery and phone repair?
Standard phone repair makes the device usable again - replacing screens, batteries, cameras, and charging ports. Data recovery has a different goal: we repair the motherboard just enough to boot the device one time and extract your data. The phone may not be suitable for continued daily use after recovery. If your phone just needs a standard repair, our repair service is faster and less expensive.
Talk To A Technician
Ready to Recover Your Phone Data?
Get started with a free quote. We'll evaluate your situation, send you a prepaid shipping label, and begin diagnostics as soon as your phone arrives. Call us directly at 732-933-7717.
Nationwide Service
Cell Phone Data Recovery - All 50 States
You don't need a local cell phone data recovery service. MDrepairs serves customers in all 50 states through our secure mail-in program with free insured shipping. Your device arrives at our NJ lab in 2-3 business days. The best results come from specialized equipment and experienced technicians, not physical proximity.
Free prepaid insured shipping both ways
Northeast
Southeast
Midwest
Sources & References
The technical details, standards, and methods referenced on this page come from publicly available documentation. We cite our sources so you can verify independently.
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NIST Special Publication 800-88 Rev. 1 - Guidelines for Media Sanitization
U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology guidelines covering data sanitization methods for all media types including mobile device flash storage. Referenced for our discussion of factory reset effectiveness and when data can or cannot be recovered after a wipe.
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Apple Platform Security Guide
Apple's official documentation on hardware encryption architecture, Secure Enclave, file data protection classes, and the encryption chain used in every iPhone and iPad. Referenced for our explanation of why iPhone chip-off recovery requires the original Secure Enclave and passcode.
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Samsung Knox Security Platform
Samsung's defense-grade security platform documentation covering hardware-backed encryption, real-time kernel protection, and device integrity verification on Galaxy devices. Referenced for our discussion of Samsung-specific recovery challenges and Knox trip counters.
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IEEE 1149.1 - JTAG / Boundary Scan Standard
The IEEE standard defining the Test Access Port and boundary scan architecture used in JTAG data extraction. Referenced for our explanation of how JTAG recovery works by accessing test points on a phone's logic board to read storage data directly.
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Cellebrite UFED - Universal Forensic Extraction Device
Industry-standard mobile forensic extraction platform used by law enforcement and data recovery labs worldwide. Referenced as one of the primary forensic tools we use for software-level and advanced logical extractions from both iOS and Android devices.
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iFixit Teardown Guides
Detailed component-level teardowns of smartphones showing internal layouts, chip placements, and board designs. Referenced as a general resource for understanding phone internals and identifying storage chip locations for JTAG, ISP, and chip-off procedures.
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Android Open Source Project - Security Documentation
Google's official documentation on Android encryption implementation, file-based encryption (FBE), full-disk encryption (FDE), verified boot, and hardware-backed keystore. Referenced for our explanation of how Android encryption varies by version and manufacturer and why older Android devices are generally easier to recover than newer ones.